Bale lift device, a front end loader having a bale lift device, and method for moving bales

ABSTRACT

A bale lift device is provided by the invention. The bale lift device includes a back frame, a spear member, and rotation axis. The back frame includes a first end, a second end, and at least one extension separating the first end from the second end. The back frame includes a first area for attaching to the loader hydraulic cylinder of a front end loader. The back frame includes a second area for attaching to the loader arm of a front end loader. The spear member includes at least one spear having a first end for penetrating a bale and a second end attached to the back frame. The rotation axis allows the spear member to rotate relative to the back frame. A front end loader having a bale lift device and a method for transporting a bale are provided. A method of assisting the removal of a bale lifting device from a bale without additional levers or hydraulic controls or hydraulic cylinders is provided. The method can utilize the controls already existing in the operational functions of the loader.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a bale lift device, a front end loaderhaving a bale lift device, and a method for moving bales.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Devices are available for moving bales. Exemplary devices thatcan be used to move bales include any lifting device that has a pivotingbucket including boom loaders and backhoes.

[0003] A device specifically designed to move bales is available underthe name BS-43 Bale lift from Westendorf Mfg. Co., Inc. This device hasthree teeth and attaches to a front end loader. No moving parts areprovided. Another device for lifting and moving bales is available underthe name Square Bale Push from MDS Manufacturing Company of Parkston,S.Dak. This device includes teeth for engaging a bale and a pair ofhydraulic cylinders for pushing an arm against the bale for disengagingthe teeth from the bale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] A bale lift device is provided by the invention. The bale liftdevice includes a back frame, spear member, and rotation axis. The backframe includes a first end, a second end, and at least one extensionseparating the first end from the second end. The back frame includes afirst area for attaching to a loader hydraulic cylinder of a front endloader. The back frame includes a second area for attaching to a loaderarm of a front end loader. The spear member includes at least one spearor tooth for engaging and holding a bale and includes a first end forpenetrating the bale and a second end attached to the back frame. Therotation axis allows the plurality of teeth to rotate relative to theback frame.

[0005] The bale lift device can be provided having a push offconstructed to slide along at least a portion of the spear member. Thepush off is preferably provided adjacent the spear member to help inremoval of the spear member from the bale in which it has penetrated.

[0006] A method for transporting a bale is provided according to theinvention. The method includes a step of engaging a bale with the balelift device provided according to the invention on a front end loader ofa tractor, and moving the bale to a different location. The methodadditionally includes the step of disengaging the bale lift device fromthe bale.

[0007] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a balelift device that relies upon the existing hydraulic cylinder of a frontend loader to cause it to disengage from a bale without damaging thebale or causing a stack of bales to fall over as the bale lift device iswithdrawn from the bale. Furthermore, the bale lift device is preferablyprovided without an additional hydraulic cylinder and/or control foroperating the bale lift device.

[0008] The invention provides a means to allow the existing hydrauliccylinder of a loader to activate beneficial mechanical functions thatotherwise are not available without adding an additional hydraulicsystem. In addition, the bale lift device provides for rotation betweenthe back frame and the spear member about a rotation axis that can belocated anywhere to provide rotation between the back frame and thespear member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a bale lift device according to theprinciples of the present invention provided on a front end loader andshown engaging a bale.

[0010]FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the bale lift device of FIG. 1 shownpartially disengaging from the bale.

[0011]FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the bale lift device of FIG. 1 shownfurther disengaging from the bale.

[0012]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a bale lift device according tothe principles of the present invention provided on a front end loaderand shown in an open position for engaging a bale.

[0013]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bale lift device according tothe principles of the invention provided on a front end loader and shownlifting a bale.

[0014]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bale lift device of FIG. 5shown disengaging from the bale.

[0015]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of abale lift device according to the principles of the present invention.

[0016]FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bale lift device of FIG. 7shown in an open position.

[0017]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the bale lift device of FIG. 7shown in a closed position.

[0018]FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the bale lift device of FIG. 7showing the spear member and the spear elbow.

[0019]FIG. 11 is a diagrammatic, side view showing a bale lift deviceaccording to the principles of the present invention engaging a bale.

[0020]FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic, side view of the bale lift device ofFIG. 11 shown partially disengaging from the bale.

[0021]FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic, side view of the bale lift device ofFIG. 11 shown more fully disengaging from the bale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0022] Now referring to FIGS. 1-3, a bale lift device according to theinvention is shown at reference numeral 10. The bale lift device 10 isshown attached to a front end loader 12 and engaging a bale 13. The balelift device 10 and the front end loader 12 operate in combination toallow the bale lift device 10 to spear the bale 13, transport the bale13 to a new location, and then release the bale lift device 10 from thebale 13. The bale can be any type of material provided in the form of abale such as hay and forage.

[0023] The bale lift device 10 includes a back frame 14, a spear member16, and a rotation axis 18 that allows the back frame 14 to rotaterelative to the teeth 16. The spear member 16 is the portion of the balelift device 10 that engages or penetrates into the bale 13.

[0024] The spear member 16 include a plurality of teeth or tines 20 thatare constructed for spearing a bale 13 as shown in FIG. 1. It should beunderstood that the plurality of teeth or tines 20 can be used to liftthe bale without spearing the bale. That is, the teeth or tines 20 canbe used so that the bale bottom surface 21 rests on top of the teeth ortines 20. The plurality of teeth or tines 20 can be provided having thesame length or different lengths. It is generally desirable to providethe plurality of teeth or tines 20 having the same length when used totransport a rectangular bale, and it is generally preferably to providethe plurality of teeth or tines 20 with different lengths when it isdesirable to transport round bales. When transporting round bales, it isgenerally preferable that the center tooth or tine is longer than theend teeth or tines.

[0025] The plurality of teeth 20 includes a teeth first end 22 that ispreferably provided with a shape that allows the teeth 20 to penetrate abale. Preferably, the teeth first end 22 is relatively sharp or pointed.The plurality of teeth 20 include a teeth second end 24 attached to ateeth stabilizing member 26. The teeth stabilizing member 26 holds theplurality of teeth 20 together. The teeth stabilizing member 26 can beprovided extending across the width of the bale lift device 10. Thestabilizing member 26 is preferably provided as a tubular steel member27. It should be understood that the stabilizing member can be providedas any type of material that provides the desired degree of strength forholding the plurality of teeth or tines 20 together. For example, thestabilizing member can be provided as angle iron, plate, three-sidedchannel, etc.

[0026] The back frame 14 includes a bale engaging surface 30. During theoperation of the bale lift device 10, the bale engaging surface 30generally contacts and pushes against the bale 13. The back frame 14includes a back frame first end 32 and a back frame second end 34. Theback frame first end 32 includes a back frame first end stabilizingmember 33, and the back frame second end 34 includes a back frame secondend stabilizing member 35. The back frame stabilizing members 33 and 35are preferably provided as tubular steel members 37. It should beunderstood that the stabilizing members 33 and 35 can be manufacturedfrom any material that provides the desired level of strength includingsuch materials such as angle iron, plate, three-sided channel, etc. Theback frame stabilizing members 33 and 35 are separated from each otherby the back frame extensions 39. The back frame extensions 39 hold theback frame stabilizing members 33 and 35 in place and can be provided inany material that provides the desired strength including thosematerials previously identified.

[0027] The bale lift device 10 is operated by the combination of thehydraulic cylinder 36 and the loader arm 38 of the front end loader 12.The back frame 14 is shown attached to a quick attachment device 40 thatallows rapid attachment and detachment of the bale lift device 10 to thefront end loader 12. Exemplary quick attachment devices that can be usedaccording to the invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,085,856 toWestendorf, U.S. Pat. No. 3,512,665 to Westendorf; 4,787,811 toLangenfeld et al., and 4,930,974 to Langenfeld et al. These patents areassigned to Westendorf Mfg. Co., Inc., which is the assignee of theabove-identified patent application. These patents are incorporatedherein by reference. Although the bale lift device 10 is preferablyattached to the front end loader 12 via the quick attachment device 40,it should be understood that the bale lift device 10 can be attacheddirectly to the hydraulic cylinder 36 and the loader arm 38 of the frontend loader 12.

[0028] The rotation axis 18 is provided to allow rotation between theback frame 14 and the plurality of teeth 20. The back frame second end34 and the teeth stabilizing member 26 attach to the rotation axis 18 toallow rotation about the rotation axis 18. This allows the spear member16 and the back frame 14 to rotate relative to each other. The angle ofrotation provided between the back frame 14 and the plurality of teeth20 is preferably between about 10° and about 110° and more preferablybetween about −5° and about 95°. The bale lift device 10 shown in FIG. 1is provided in an open position where the angle of rotation between theback frame 14 and the plurality of teeth 20 is about 90°. As shown inFIG. 3, the bale lift device 1 0 is in a relatively closed position andthe angle of rotation between the back frame 14 and the plurality ofteeth 20 is about 45°, The rotation axis 18 preferably includes a rod orpivot 42 about which the back frame 14 and the plurality of teeth 20rotate. As a matter of convenience, the bale lift device 10 can becharacterized as being in an open position when it is about to engage abale, and it can be characterized as being in a closed position when itis disengaging from a bale.

[0029] The back frame first end 32 includes a fastener 44 for attachingthe back frame first end 32 to the quick attachment device 40.Preferably, the fastener 44 is a U-bolt fastener 46. The back framesecond end 34 includes a fastener 48 for attaching the back frame secondend 34 to the quick attachment device 40. Preferably, the fastener 48 isa U-bolt fastener 50. Although FIGS. 1-3 show the fasteners 44 and 48attaching the back frame first end 32 and the back frame second end 34to the quick attachment device 40, fasteners can instead or in additionbe provided for attaching the back frame extensions 39 to the quickattachment device 40. In addition, the fasteners can be provided forattaching the back frame 14 directly to the hydraulic cylinder and theloader arm of a front end loader or any other device provided foroperating the bale lift device 10.

[0030] The bale lift device 10 is operated by retracting the hydrauliccylinder 36 so that the bale lift device 10 is provided in an openposition 41, as shown in FIG. 1. The bale lift device 10 then spears thebale 13 by movement of the front end loader 12 forward. The front endloader 12 can be used to move the bale 13 to a new location. Once thebale 13 is provided in a new location, it is desirable to remove thebale lift 10 from the bale 13 without pulling the bale 13 out ofposition. In the situation where the bale 13 is placed on top of a stackof bales, it is desirable to disengage the bale lift device 10 from thebale 13 without causing the stack of bales to fall over. In order todisengage the bale lift device 10 from the bale 13, the hydrauliccylinder 36 is extended causing the back frame 14 to rotate relative tothe plurality of teeth 20. This causes the bale lift device 10 to closeas shown successively in FIGS. 2 and 3. The bale lift 10 is shown in aclosed position 43 in FIG. 3. As the hydraulic cylinder 36 extends, thebale engaging surface 30 of the back frame 14 pushes against the bale 13causing the back frame 14 and the teeth member 16 to rotate about therotation axis 18 as the plurality of teeth 20 are withdrawn from thebale 13. When the loader 12 backs up at the same rate the hydrauliccylinder 36 extends, the bale 13 remains at its constant position.

[0031] The quick attachment device 40 is shown having an attachmentportion 52 that attaches to the bale lift device 10, and a front endloader portion 54 that attaches to the front end loader. The attachmentportion 52 attaches to the back frame first end 32 by the fastener 44,and to the back frame second end 34 by the fastener 48. The front endloader portion 54 rotatably attaches to the cylinder rod 55 of thehydraulic cylinder 36 and rotatably attaches to the loader arm 38. Theattachment portion 52 and the front end loader portion 54 attachtogether and detach from each other fairly easily. It should beunderstood that the invention could be practiced without the use of thequick attachment device 40. That is, the cylinder rod 55 can berotatably attached to the back frame 14 and the loader arm 38 can berotatably attached to the back frame 14.

[0032] Now referring to FIG. 4, a bale lift device 60 is shown in anopen position where the spear member 66 includes a plurality of teeth 62that are about to engage a bale of hay 64. The plurality of teeth 62include a 3-tooth arrangement 66 having a center tooth 68 that is longerthan the outside teeth 70 and 72. Although this arrangement is shownengaging a rectangular bale 64, it should be understood that thisarrangement is particularly useful for round or cylindrical bales.

[0033] Now referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a bale lift device 80 is shown inan open position 82 transporting a bale of hay 84, and in a closedposition 86 withdrawing from the bale of hay 84. The spear member 85includes a plurality of teeth 83 having a left tooth 87, a center tooth88, and a right tooth 89 having relatively the same length. This type ofarrangement is preferred for transporting a rectangular bale. The frontend loader 90 includes a hydraulic cylinder 92 and a loader arm 94.Although the description of the front end loader generally refers to “ahydraulic cylinder” and a “loader arm”, it should be understood thatfront end loaders typically have a left hydraulic cylinder 92′ and aright hydraulic cylinder 92, and a left loader arm 94′ and a rightloader arm 94. The left hydraulic cylinder 92′ and the left loader arm94′ attach to the bale lift device left side 96, and the right hydrauliccylinder 92 and the right loader arm 94 attach to the bale lift deviceright side 98. The front end loader 90 can be any front end loadercommonly available on the market, but is preferably a front end loaderaccording to U.S. application Ser. No. 09/639,039, filed on Aug. 15,2000, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

[0034] An advantage of the bale lift device of the invention is that itprovides for retraction of the teeth (lifting teeth) from the balewithout causing a pull or draw on the bale sufficient to cause the baleto fall. By providing rotation between the back frame and the teethmember of the bale lift device, the teeth can be withdrawn from the balewithout the use of additional hydraulic cylinders or control valves orother mechanical linkages. That is, the bale lift device can be operatedsolely by the operation of a conventional components attached to thebale lift device, such as, the hydraulic cylinder and loader arm foundon a conventional front end loader. In addition, it should beappreciated that the bale lift device can be used to lift items that maynot be considered bales.

[0035] Now referring to FIGS. 7-10, an alternative embodiment of thebale lift device according to the principles of the present invention isindicated at reference numeral 100. The bale lift device 100 is providedattached to a front end loader 102 via a quick attachment device 104.The quick attachment device 104 includes an attachment portion 106 and afront end loader portion 108. The bale lift device 100 includes a backframe 110, a spear member 112, and a rotation axis 114 that allows theback frame 110 to rotate relative to the spear member 112. The spearmember 112 includes a spear 116 that engages a bale. The spear 116includes a first spear end 118 preferably having a relatively pointedtip for engaging and penetrating into a bale. The spear 116 includes asecond end 117 that attaches to the rotation axis 114. As shown, thesecond end 117 attaches to the spear elbow 119 that attaches to therotation axis 114. The spear 116 and the spear elbow 119 preferablyinclude a three piece assembly that is welded together. The spear elbow119 preferably includes a first side 194 and a second side 195 that arewelded to the sleeve or bushing 191 that is constructed for acceptingthe second end 117 of the spear 116. In addition, the spear elbow 119includes a pivot 192 for rotation about the rotation axis 114, and apivot 193 for rotation about the rotation axis 196 provided along theroller arm 176. As the bale lift device 100 moves between an openposition and a closed position, the back frame 110 and the spear member112 rotate relative to each other about the rotation axis 114.

[0036] The second end 117 of the spear 116 preferably includes athreaded portion 197 for threading into a bolt 198 that holds the spearwithin the sleeve or bushing 191. By providing a threaded attachment,the spear 116 can be conveniently replaced.

[0037] The back frame 110 includes a back frame first end 120 and a backframe second end 122. The back frame first end 120 includes a back framefirst end stabilizing member 124, and the back frame second end 122includes a back frame second end stabilizing member 126. The back framefirst end stabilizing member 124 and the back frame second endstabilizing member 126 are separated from each other by the back frameextensions 128. The back frame first and second stabilizing members 124and 126 are preferably provided by tubular steel 130. The back frameextensions are preferably provided by plate steel 131.

[0038] The first and second stabilizing members 124 and 126 arepreferably additionally held relative to each other by the center tieribs 127 and 129. The rotation axis 114 is provided extending betweenthe enter tie ribs 127 and 129. In addition, the center tie ribs 127 and129 provide a channel 133 through which the spear 116 and spear elbow119 can rotate and remain contained.

[0039] The quick attachment device 104 is shown attached to the backframe first end stabilizing member 124 by fasteners 132 and to the backframe second end stabilizing member 126 by the fasteners 134. It shouldbe appreciated that the hydraulic cylinder rod 136 and the loader arm138 can be attached to the quick attachment device 104 or directly tothe back frame 110 without the use of the quick attachment device 104.When the hydraulic cylinder rod 136 and the loader arm 138 are attacheddirectly to the back frame 110, it is preferable that they attach to thefirst end 120 and the second end 122. It is believed that the hydrauliccylinder rod and the loader arm can attach to the extensions.

[0040] The spear 116 can be referred to as a tooth, and the spear member112 includes the spear 116 and the secondary teeth 140 provided attachedto the back frame second and 122. The secondary teeth 140 include afirst tooth 141 and a second tooth 142. The secondary teeth 140 includea first end 143 that is sufficiently sharp to engage or penetrate into abale. The secondary teeth 140 can include sleeves 147 for providingextra tooth support and for secondary teeth 140 to the secondary teethrotation axis 148. In addition, a brace 149 can be provided for holdingthe secondary teeth rotation axis 148 to the back frame second end 122.The rotation between the secondary teeth 140 and the back frame 110 isdemonstrated in FIG. 7. Preferably, the secondary teeth 140 areavailable to rotate during the operation of the bale lift device. It isexpected that the angle of rotation between the secondary teeth 140 andthe back frame 110 will be roughly equivalent to the angle of rotationbetween the spear 116 and the back frame 110. It is believed that thebale lift device can be provided so that the angle of rotation betweenthe spear member 112 and the back frame 110 can be within the range ofabout −10° to about 110° and more preferably between about −5° and about95°.

[0041] The bale lift device 100 engages a bale by movement of the balelift device forward so that the spear 116 and the secondary teeth 140engage or enter into the bale. The bale lift device 100 can then be usedto move the bale to a new location. The bale lift device 100 isdisengaged from the bale by rotating the back frame 110 forward. As theback frame 110 rotates forward, the back frame first end 120 movestoward the bale and the back frame second end 122 moves away from thebale. This action causes the push off 162 that includes a bale engagingsurface 164 to push against the bale thereby disengaging the spear 116and the secondary teeth 140 from the bale.

[0042] The push off 162 operates by moving toward the bale as the backframe 110 rotates forward. The roller 170 moves down the rollerengagement area 172 until it reaches the end 174. The movement of thespear member 112 about the rotation axis 114 causes the roller arm 176to move the roller 170 down along the roller engagement area 172. Thisaction causes the push off arm 178 to move forward and the bale engagingsurface 164 to move toward the first spear end 118 as the containmentarea 184 moves along the spear member 112. It should be understood thatthe location of the spear elbow 119 along the roller arm 176 can beadjusted to provide the desired angle of rotation between the spear 116and the back frame 110. It should be understood that in FIG. 7, aportion of the bale push off arm 178 is removed to show the location ofthe rotation axis 114.

[0043] The operation of a bale lift device 200 in disengaging from abale 202 is depicted in FIGS. 11-13. The bale lift device 200 is shownin an open position 204 in FIG. 11 and in a closed position 206 in FIG.13. As the back frame first end 210 rotates forward relative to the backframe second end 212, the roller 216 moves down the roller engagementarea 220. The roller 216 is provided at the first end 121 of the rollerarm 222. The second end 223 of the roller arm 222 moves forward as theroller 216 moves down the roller engagement area 220. The movement ofthe second end 223 of the roller arm 222 forward causes the bale pushoff arm 230 to move forward thereby causing the push off 232 to pushagainst the bale 202. The movement of the back frame 208 in relation tothe spear 242 which is inside the bale 202 pivoting about the rotationaxis 241 causes the roller arm 222 and roller 216 to move along the backframe 208. This scissor action causes the bale push off arm 230 to moveforward along the spear 242.

[0044] That causes the push off 232 to push against the bale 202 andremoves the spear 242 from the bale 202. As the back frame 208 rotatesas shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the secondary teeth 250 rotate relative tothe back frame 208 about the secondary rotation axis 209. When theroller 216 is fully extended into the roller engagement area 220, thepush off 232 is at its farthest location away from the back frame 208,the spear 242 is at its minimum angle relative to the back frame 208 andthe plurality of teeth 250 are rotated at their minimum angle ofrotation about the rotation axis 209 relative to the back frame 208.

[0045] The above specification, examples and data provide a completedescription of the manufacture and use of the composition of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, the inventionresides in the claims hereinafter appended.

We claim:
 1. A bale lift device comprising: (a) back frame having afirst end, a second end, and at least one extension extending betweenthe first end and the second end for separating the first end from thesecond end, wherein: (i) the back frame includes a first area forattaching to a loader hydraulic cylinder of a front end loader; and (ii)the back frame includes a second area for attaching to a loader arm of afront end loader; (b) spear member provided for engaging and holding abale, the spear member having a first end and a second end, the firstend being provided for penetrating the bale; and (c) rotation axis,wherein the back frame and the spear member are rotatably attached aboutthe rotation axis for providing rotation of the back frame relative tothe spear member.
 2. A bale lift device according to claim 1, whereinthe back frame and the spear member rotate relative to each otherthrough an angle between about −10° and about 110°.
 3. A bale liftdevice according to claim 1, wherein the back frame comprises a baleengaging surface.
 4. A bale lift device according to claim 3, whereinthe bale engaging surface is part of a push off device that pushesagainst a bale as the spear member is withdrawn from the bale.
 5. A balelift device according to claim 1, wherein the spear member comprises aplurality of teeth rotatably attached to the second end of the backframe.
 6. A bale lift device according to claim 1, wherein the spearmember comprises at least one spear rotatably attached to the back frameat a location provided between the first end and the second end of theback frame.
 7. A bale lift device according to claim 1, wherein thespear member comprises a spear and a plurality of secondary teeth,wherein the spear rotates as the back frame rotates.
 8. A bale liftdevice according to claim 1, wherein the rotation axis comprises apivot.
 9. A bale lift device according to claim 1, wherein the bale liftdevice does not include a bale lift hydraulic cylinder assisting theremoval of the bale lift device from a bale.
 10. A front end loadercomprising: a pair of hydraulic cylinders and a pair of loader arms; abale lift device attached to the pair of hydraulic cylinders and thepair of loader arms, wherein the bale lift device comprises: (a) backframe having a first end, a second end, and at least one extensionextending between the first end and the second end for separating thefirst end from the second end, wherein: (i) the back frame includes afirst area for attaching to a loader hydraulic cylinder of a front endloader; and (ii) the back frame includes a second area for attaching toa loader arm of a front end loader; (b) spear member provided forengaging and holding a bale, the spear member having a first end and asecond end, the first end being provided for penetrating the bale; and(c) rotation axis, wherein the back frame and the spear member arerotatably attached about the rotation axis for providing rotation of theback frame relative to the spear member.
 11. A front end loaderaccording to claim 10, further comprising a quick attachment devicehaving a first member and a second member provided for rapid attachmentand detachment, the first member being attached to the bale lift deviceand the second member being attached to the pair of hydraulic cylindersand the pair of loader arms.
 12. A method for transporting a bale, themethod comprising steps of: engaging a bale with a bale lift deviceprovided on a front end loader of a tractor, wherein the front endloader has left and right attachment hydraulic cylinders and left andright loader arms, and the bale lift device is attached to the front endloader, the bale lift device comprising: (a) back frame having a firstend, a second end, and at least one extension extending between thefirst end and the second end for separating the first end from thesecond end, wherein: (i) the back frame includes a first area forattaching to a loader hydraulic cylinder of a front end loader; and (ii)the back frame includes a second area for attaching to a loader arm of afront end loader; (b) spear member provided for engaging and holding abale, the spear member having a first end and a second end, the firstend being provided for penetrating the bale; and (c) rotation axis,wherein the back frame and the spear member are rotatably attached aboutthe rotation axis for providing rotation of the back frame relative tothe spear member; and moving the bale to a new location.
 13. A methodaccording to claim 12, further comprising a step of disengaging the balefrom the bale lift device.
 14. A bale lift device comprising: (a) backframe having a first end, a second end, and at least one extensionextended between the first end and the second end for separating thefirst end from the second end; wherein: (i) the back frame includes afirst area for attaching to a loader hydraulic cylinder of a front endloader; and (ii) the back frame includes a second area for attaching toa loader arm of a front end loader; (b) spear member provided forengaging and holding a bale, the spear member having a first end and asecond end, the first end being provided for penetrating the bale; and(c) push off constructed to slide along the spear member, and whereinthe bale lift device does not include a bale lift hydraulic cylinder foroperating the push off.
 15. A bale lift device according to claim 14,further comprising a rotation axis, wherein the back frame and the spearmember are rotatably attached about the rotation axis for providingrotation of the back frame relative to the spear member.
 16. A bale liftdevice according to claim 14, wherein the push off comprises a baleengaging surface for pushing against a bale when the spear member isprovided penetrating the bale.
 17. A bale lift device according to claim14, further comprising a plurality of teeth rotatably attached to thesecond end of the back frame.
 18. A bale lift device according to claim14, wherein the spear member comprises a spear, and the push off isconstructed to encircle the spear and slide along the spear.